New Life Community Church, Atwater, CA

“A person of excellence– the story of Ruth” Part 2 “The Choice is Yours” Ruth 1:6-19

Naomi and her daughters-in-law prepare to return to Bethlehem destitute, with no protection, no provision, and no place to call home. Facing such an uncertain tomorrow and plagued by insecurities, Ruth (and Naomi) must make a life defining choice. If life is defined by the choices we make, what should be our guide?

Sermon: “A person of excellence– the story of Ruth” Part 1 “Desperate Times” Ruth 1:1-5

Today we open a mini-series on the Old Testament book of Ruth. Ruth is a very unique and personal

story placed in the midst of the Old Testament record. As we look at this ancient story, we’ll find it is a relevant story of regular folks shaping history as they navigate ordinary challenges with extraordinary character. Along the way we will discover lessons for our lives and the challenges we face.

Sermon: “How Can We Know It’s God’s Voice?” 1 Samuel 3:1-10 and John 1:43-51

We welcome guest speaker Lauran Bethell. Lauren is a global consultant with International Ministries.  She is working to help abolish global slavery.

Sermon: Take Your Stand Ephesians 6:10-13

I. Know what you stand for.
If you don’t stand for something you’ll fall for everything.
Ephesians 6:10 “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his Mighty power.”

1. By knowing who you stand with.

2. By knowing how you stand firm with him. II. Know who you stand against.

1. FIRST, notice who we are not to fight against. If we don’t understand who we fight against,

we are in danger of:
attacking one another

attacking those Jesus came to save.
2. SECOND, notice who we are to fight against.

Sermon: This Is Amazing Grace (#2) Luke 15:25-36

Today we’re looking at the 2nd half of the familiar (yet brilliant) story of the Prodigal Son (found in Luke 15). The story of the younger son is much beloved, the story of the elder son is often overlooked. Yet it is here that Jesus brings the point of the parable home. Today we’ll look at the problem of pride, a formidable barrier to experiencing the “amazing grace” of God.

Sermon: This Is Amazing Grace Luke 15:11-24

Today we’ll begin a two part look at the familiar (yet brilliant) story of the Prodigal Son (found in Luke 15). The story reveals so much both about our human condition in relation to God as well as God’s character that may surprise or even offend our sensibilities. Today we’ll begin to answer the question, “What’s so amazing about grace?”

Sermon: This is the Day! Psalm 118

There is something special about worship in the park and we are so glad you are here to experience it! If nothing else, moving outdoors breaks our routine and the differentness can bring the goodness of God into a fresh focus for us. That is the purpose of Psalm 118 as well, to be a daily reminder of His goodness, and our place in His purposes. So that not just today, but everyday we can express "This is the day the Lord has made.

We will rejoice and be glad in it!"

Sermon: “And Finally, Look Around” James 5:19-20

James concludes his letter with a very practical call to action: “look around and restore those who have wandered.” At times, we all experience degrees of spiritual drift, and some to the point of walking away. We are called to be a place of restoration.

Sermon: Never Forget! Psalm 25

The world changed on the morning of September 11, 2001. In the wake of what is still the deadliest terrorist attack in history, the nation pulled together and pledged to “Never Forget”. But what are we to remember? As a nation, our sense of security was shaken and that normalcy has not fully returned. Where do we turn when we are insecure? The Bible clearly addresses this new reality we live in.

Sermon: A Faith that Works (#12) Effective Prayer James 5:13-18

Prayer is not rocket science, but for some reason most of us struggle, feeling we don’t pray well. That would be OK if prayer wasn’t a vital piece of our spiritual lives, but it is. Wrapping up his letter on how to develop a faith that works, James concludes not with a guilt-trip, but with the invitation to experience more of what God has for us through prayer.